Stethescope, what kind should I get?

Hi everyone out there!!! Pardon my spelling if I spelled stethescope wrong...anyways, I was wondering which steth is good for a nursing student? How much should I spend on one? Should I also get a blood pressure kit? How much should I spend on it? Pleeeese let me know....thanks!!

[northern girl]

My suggestion would be that you get the best 'scope that you can afford. It really really helps when you are trying to learn heart and lung sounds. I recently got an ultrascope (they have a website), it is really is comparable to a friend's littman cardiology 'scope, it was cheaper, and the one of a kind head makes it less likely someone else will walk away with it!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I agree...buy the best sope you can. I personally prefer the Littmann Cardiology III which I got in central IL for $130.00. Don't bother investing in BP cuff. They get scummy after just a little use. Better to use what the hospital provides. Put your name on your scope and slip it into a pocket or around your neck. They do have legs. Good luck.

[jlb]

I love the acoustic transmission of the Sprague-Rapport type stethoscopes. These are very inexpensive, but break easily.

I finally broke down and purchased a Littman Master Cardiology. This is a fine stethoscope and I recommend this if you have the $$$.

One note of recommendation: Whatever type you end up with, be sure that the tubing length is only around 12-15 inches. This will mean cutting off tubing for most brands, but the difference is sound transmission is like night and day.

[ShannonB25]

I purchased a Litmann classic for about $65 just before my clinicals started and have been very pleased with it. As a matter of fact, I've even had instructors say what a good stethoscope it is.

[TINAM]

I BOUGHT A LITTMAN BECAUSE MOST OF MY PROFESSORS AND NURSES I SPOKE WITH SAID TO BUY THE BEST ONE THAT YOU CAN AFFORD. THEY ALSO SAID THE SAME THING ABOUT SHOES. I BOUGHT THE CLASSIC FOR ABOUT $65.00. I THOUGHT THEONLY MAJOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CLASSIC AND THE NEXT ONE UP WAS THE PRICE.

[Peggy8]

Hi everyone!

I want to thank everyone who responded to my post on what stethescope to purchase....I think I will take the suggestion of Littman, for $65.00....One more question, where do I purchase it...online? Mail order? Let me know guys....thanks again!

[AngelRn]

HEY!! If you havnt bought it yet you can do it with a CC.. this site has the Littman for only 54.00 http://www.cpo.to/

And a B?P cuff too.. My School wanted us to buy both and this was cheeper than the store or the website they suggested. Just a thought. Hey and good luck, I started my intro to nursing classes this May!

[monica f]

Littman's master cardi. is $149 no taxes or shipping charges....at www.netuniform.com

That is the cheepest place I have found they are also a good company to order from. I have not had any problem recieving my orders.

[janleb]

I would purchase a light one, the heavy ones tend to hurt my ears

QUOTE]Originally posted by Peggy8:

Hi everyone out there!!! Pardon my spelling if I spelled stethescope wrong...anyways, I was wondering which steth is good for a nursing student? How much should I spend on one? Should I also get a blood pressure kit? How much should I spend on it? Pleeeese let me know....thanks!!

[KSEFLINK]

Just an FYI. If any of you work in hospitals already and have an in with your purchasing department and/or biomed, they can sometimes get great deals on pricing if the stethescopes come under jurisdiction of a buying contract. Our unit has done this and we got great deals on the Littman III's.

[nursling2001]

you need nothing more than a Littmann master classic II that will run you about $70. it is adequate and works well for your needs. word of advice, keep track of it, it will disappear quickly in the hospital. good luck.